Variants in the 5'UTR reduce SHOX expression and contribute to SHOX haploinsufficiency

Eur J Hum Genet. 2021 Jan;29(1):110-121. doi: 10.1038/s41431-020-0676-y. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Abstract

SHOX haploinsufficiency causes 70-90% of Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and 2-10% of idiopathic short stature (ISS). Deletions removing the entire gene or enhancers and point mutations in the coding region represent a well-established cause of haploinsufficiency. During diagnostic genetic testing on ISS/LWD patients, in addition to classic SHOX defects, five 5'UTR variants (c.-58G > T, c.-55C > T, c.-51G > A, c.-19G > A, and c.-9del), were detected whose pathogenetic role was unclear and were thus classified as VUS (Variants of Uncertain Significance). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of these noncoding variations in SHOX haploinsufficiency. The variants were tested for their ability to interfere with correct gene expression of a regulated reporter gene (luciferase assay). The negative effect on the mRNA splicing predicted in silico for c.-19G > A was assayed in vitro through a minigene splicing assay. The luciferase assay showed that c.-51G > A, c.-19G > A, and c.-9del significantly reduce luciferase activity by 60, 35, and 40% at the homozygous state. Quantification of the luciferase mRNA showed that c.-51G > A and c.-9del might interfere with the correct SHOX expression mainly at the post-transcriptional level. The exon trapping assay demonstrated that c.-19G > A determines the creation of a new branch site causing an aberrant mRNA splicing. In conclusion, this study allowed us to reclassify two of the 5'UTR variants identified during SHOX diagnostic screening as likely pathogenic, one remains as a VUS, and two as likely benign variants. This analysis for the first time expands the spectrum of the genetic causes of SHOX haploinsufficiency to noncoding variations in the 5'UTR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5' Untranslated Regions*
  • Adolescent
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Child
  • Female
  • Growth Disorders / genetics*
  • Growth Disorders / pathology
  • Haploinsufficiency
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / genetics*
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / pathology
  • RNA Splicing
  • Short Stature Homeobox Protein / genetics*
  • Short Stature Homeobox Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • 5' Untranslated Regions
  • SHOX protein, human
  • Short Stature Homeobox Protein

Supplementary concepts

  • Leri-Weil syndrome